Tāke Kurī:
The Dog
Tax
Rebellion
Tāke Kurī: The Dog Tax Rebellion
Rawene Town Hall will host Tāke Kurī: The Dog Tax Rebellion on 13 November—a new theatrical work by Ngāpuhi playwright Geoffrey Clendon that revisits one of the most significant conflicts in Hokianga history.
The play takes audiences back to 1898, when opposition to a government-imposed Dog Tax developed into an armed confrontation between Te Māhurehure hapū and government forces. What began as a local dispute quickly drew the attention of police, soldiers, politicians and naval vessels, transforming a small Hokianga community into the centre of a major government response.
Through a blend of theatre, humour and historical storytelling, Tāke Kurī examines resistance, mana, law and the unequal exercise of power. Although the events took place more than a century ago, the production also invites audiences to consider questions that remain relevant today—particularly what can happen when decisions are made without fully understanding their effects on communities or listening to the people most affected.
The story holds a personal significance for Geoffrey Clendon, whose Māori and Pākehā ancestors were connected to opposing sides of the conflict. His research included time spent in Te Tai Tokerau, where local knowledge and encouragement helped guide the development of the work.
Presented by an ensemble of four performers, the production features more than 20 historical and imagined characters. The story is also observed by a group of canine commentators, whose humorous perspective offers another way of viewing the human conflict unfolding around them.
The cast includes Jade Daniels (Ngāpuhi), Francis Mountjoy, Noa Campbell (Ngāpuhi) and Johnson Manukau (Tūhoe). Collectively, their screen and theatre credits include Shortland Street, The Brokenwood Mysteries, Chief of War, Bust Up, Eruption, Rangitoto and Kūmara & The Mooncake.
A collection of rarely seen archival photographs relating to the Dog Tax Rebellion will accompany the production, allowing audiences to encounter some of the people and places connected with the events portrayed on stage. The display will also provide a valuable starting point for conversations about the conflict, its legacy and its continuing importance to the Hokianga.
Tāke Kurī: The Dog Tax Rebellion began its development through Te Pou Theatre’s Kōanga Festival in 2023. Following further workshops and development, the completed production will now bring this important local story home to Rawene.
Performance details
Date: 13 November
Venue: Rawene Town Hall
Start Time: 5.15pm for powhiri. 5:30pm - 7:00pm.
Refreshments and discussion afterwards.
Running Length: 90 minutes
Funding by:
